Where to stay in Seoul

Seoul Introduction

To travel in Seoul is to witness how the old and the new coexist and complement each other. The South Korean capital is one of Asia's most progressive technology hubs, home to some of the best-known electronics companies and the fastest Internet connection in the world. Fashionable shopping and trendy entertainment destinations are plentiful, as are Michelin-starred restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Yet for all its modernity, it hasn't failed to honor its rich and colorful history. Historical landmarks, museums, and parks offer glimpses into Seoul's past.

Hotels in Seoul

There's a plethora of hotels in Seouls, and there are accommodations everywhere to suit all kinds of travel budgets. World-class hotel chain brands and luxury hotels in Seoul pamper their guests with amenities such as soundproof, polished rooms that come with satellite TV and minibars, plus gyms and free breakfast buffets. Aparthotels or serviced apartments can be your home away from home, where laid-back units often features fully equipped kitchens and laundry service. Discount hotels and hostels are imbued with a laid-back vibe, but offer value to the budget-conscious traveler with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and free continental breakfast.

Where to stay

Samcheong-Dong is a charming part of Seoul that is awash in culture. Staying in a hotel in this area gives you quick access to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and traditional Korean houses. It's also where you can find little shops that sell unique handmade items that are works of art in their own right. Myeong-dong is every shopper's dream come true. Hotels in this area are a stone's throw away from massive department stores offering luxury brands, as well as street stalls hawking more affordable items. If you want to experience Seoul's vibrant nightlife, consider staying in Itaewon. Bars and clubs line the streets of this area, where expats congregate to enjoy local and international food.

Things to see

Much like Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York City, Seoul Forest is a welcome oasis of green in the modern, bustling metropolitan city of Seoul. Here's where you can watch a play on the outdoor stage at the Culture and Arts Park or observe deer, elks, and ducks in their natural habitat in the Ecological Forest. A visit to the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace in northern Seoul is a stroll back in history. Marvel at relics from the Joseon Dynasty housed within the National Palace Museum of Korea and witness faithful reenactments of the changing of the royal palace guards. Afterwards, head to nearby Insa-Dong Street, a popular site in the city that's known for its cheap eats and artistic vibe. Nibble on a Korean barbecue or the traditional Dragon's Beard Candy while browsing the numerous art galleries and bazaars dotting the main street's alleys.

How to get to Seoul

Incheon International and Gimpo International are the entry points for travelers visiting Seoul by air. Both airports are connected by the Airport Railroad Express (AREX) commuter rail line, which in turn links to the Seoul Station. Public transit needs around the city are well served by its urban railway network that's composed of commuter, light metro, and rapid transit lines. Traveling around Seoul as well as to other areas in South Korea is fast and convenient with the well-maintained bus system and the KTX high-speed train. Riding a bicycle is another great way to explore Seoul. You can take advantage of Seoul's Ddareungi bike sharing system, and coast along the scenic cycling paths overlooking the river.